The first time I made Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken, it felt like I was tapping into a little piece of history. I had always heard about this classic British dish, famously created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, but I had never actually tried making it myself. One afternoon, feeling adventurous and wanting something a little different for a family picnic, I turned to Delia’s recipe for guidance.
What drew me to Delia’s version was its beautiful balance of flavors. It sounded rich and creamy but also had those hints of curry, sweetness, and spice that made it so unique. I remember poaching the chicken carefully, preparing the sauce, and mixing everything together with a kind of nervous excitement. When I tasted the finished dish, I was blown away. The chicken was tender, the sauce was luxurious without being heavy, and the slight fruity note made it incredibly moreish.
Since that first try, Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken has become one of my favorite dishes for casual gatherings, lunches, and even as a fancy sandwich filling. It is the kind of dish that feels timeless and elegant but is also incredibly comforting. Every time I make it, I think about how it was created to celebrate a new beginning and how, all these years later, it still brings people together over good food. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do and find it as special as I did that very first time.
What is Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken?
Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced chicken salad made with tender poached chicken breast, a rich curry-flavored sauce, and sometimes dried fruits like apricots. It is traditionally served cold and is both elegant and deliciously comforting.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe blends creamy, fruity, and spicy notes beautifully into a dish that feels both luxurious and approachable. It is perfect for picnics, luncheons, or light dinners. Plus, it keeps well and is an ideal make-ahead option for gatherings or busy days.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe
For the chicken:
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2 large chicken breasts
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1 bay leaf
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1 small onion, peeled and halved
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
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150ml (about ⅔ cup) mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons plain yogurt
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1 tablespoon curry powder (mild or medium)
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1 tablespoon tomato purée
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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2 tablespoons apricot jam or chutney
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
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A handful of chopped dried apricots
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A few toasted almond flakes for garnish
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe
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Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan with the bay leaf and onion.
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Cover with cold water, season lightly with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Poach the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked.
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Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
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In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, tomato purée, lemon juice, and apricot jam.
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Stir well until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
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Add the cooled chicken pieces to the sauce and mix thoroughly to coat.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Garnish with chopped dried apricots and toasted almonds if desired.
Delia Smith Coronation Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small onion peeled and halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 150 ml about ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon curry powder mild or medium
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam or chutney
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- A handful of chopped dried apricots
- A few toasted almond flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan with the bay leaf and onion.
- Cover with cold water, season lightly with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Poach the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, tomato purée, lemon juice, and apricot jam.
- Stir well until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooled chicken pieces to the sauce and mix thoroughly to coat.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped dried apricots and toasted almonds if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is poached gently and not boiled too hard to keep it tender.
- Use a good quality curry powder that is aromatic but not overpowering.
- Letting the dish chill properly is key because the flavors develop beautifully as it rests.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving:- Calories: 280 to 320
- Protein: 20 to 25 grams
- Fat: 18 to 22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8 to 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 to 2 grams
What Goes Well with Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe
I love serving Coronation Chicken with crisp green salads, buttered new potatoes, or even tucked into a soft baguette for an elegant sandwich. It also pairs wonderfully with rice salads or simple couscous for a fuller meal.
My Tips to Make the Best Delia Smith Coronation Chicken
Make sure the chicken is poached gently and not boiled too hard to keep it tender. Use a good quality curry powder that is aromatic but not overpowering. Letting the dish chill properly is key because the flavors develop beautifully as it rests.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Coronation Chicken
Sometimes I like to add a handful of raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness. You can also swap the apricot jam for mango chutney for a slightly different fruity twist. For a lighter version, I sometimes use more yogurt and less mayonnaise.
Best Way to Store Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they keep well for up to 3 days. It is perfect for preparing ahead of time for picnics, lunches, or quick dinners. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it has been sitting for a while.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving:
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Calories: 280 to 320
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Protein: 20 to 25 grams
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Fat: 18 to 22 grams
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Carbohydrates: 8 to 12 grams
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Fiber: 1 to 2 grams
Exact values can vary depending on how much sauce and optional add-ins you use.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching?
Yes, using already cooked chicken saves time and still works wonderfully in this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is mildly spiced but not hot. You can adjust the level by choosing a mild or medium curry powder.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the yogurt with more mayonnaise or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Can I freeze Coronation Chicken?
It is not recommended because the sauce can separate when thawed.
What type of curry powder works best?
A mild or medium curry powder gives the best balance without overpowering the dish.
Conclusion
Making Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken has become a little tradition of mine whenever I want to prepare something a bit nostalgic yet luxurious. There is something so satisfying about the combination of tender chicken, creamy curry sauce, and those little hints of fruity sweetness. It always feels like a special dish, even though it is wonderfully easy to put together.
Every time I serve this, whether it is at a picnic, a family lunch, or even just tucked into a sandwich for myself, it brings a smile. It feels connected to a grand history but is still completely at home in everyday life. I love how the flavors mellow and marry together the longer it sits, making it a perfect dish to make ahead and enjoy without any stress.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how flexible it is. I can adjust it depending on what I have on hand or who I am serving. Sometimes it leans a little sweeter, sometimes a little spicier, but it is always delicious. It is the kind of dish that invites creativity while still holding onto its classic roots.
If you have never tried making Coronation Chicken before, I truly encourage you to give Delia Smith’s version a try. It is easy, reliable, and sure to impress. Plus, once you taste that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and sweet, you might just find yourself making it again and again, just like I have.
